Thieves take laptops with data about Houston patients

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Published 5:30 am, Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Two laptops containing confidential medical information about Houston-area patients were stolen from a car parked at a Galleria-area store today and authorities are asking for the public's help find them.

A man who serves as a consultant for a local hospital parked his car at the Best Buy store at 5133 Richmond about 10:30 a.m. and went inside to buy a power cable. When he returned to his vehicle about five minutes later, he found that a window had been smashed and the two computers stolen.

One is described as a slightly-larger-than-average Hewlett Packard that is black with a carbon fiber finish.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and charging of any suspect in this case.

Callers, who may remain anonymous, are asked to call 713-222-8477 with any information or to send a tip on-line at www.crime-stoppers.org.